Our Services / Bone Grafting

What is bone grafting?

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure designed to strengthen your jaw. During treatment, Dr. Sayre-Castairs makes a small incision in your gums and carefully inserts a piece of natural or synthetic bone into the damaged or diseased area of your jaw. 

After placing the bone graft, Dr. Sayre-Castairs closes the incision. Over time, your graft encourages the formation of healthy bone tissue. The new tissue strengthens your jaw, reducing the risk of additional complications.

What issues can bone grafting treat?

Dr. Sayre-Castairs uses bone grafting to treat various issues, including:

• Developmental abnormalities
• Bone damage caused by tooth decay
• Bone damage caused by trauma or an injury
• Bone injury caused by extractions
• Missing teeth and low bone volume

What are the types of bone grafting?

Dr. Sayre-Castairs offers several types of bone grafting, including:

Socket grafts

A socket graft helps support your alveolar bone after you lose a tooth to extraction or trauma. During treatment, Dr. Sayre-Castairs inserts a piece of bone tissue into the socket of your missing tooth.

Lateral ridge preservation grafts

If you have a narrow jaw, Dr. Sayre-Castairs may recommend a lateral ridge preservation graft. This type of graft widens your jaw, making room for the placement of dental implants or other oral devices.

Block bone grafts

If you have a jaw abnormality, Dr. Sayre-Castairs may recommend a block bone graft. During the procedure, she removes a piece of tissue from the back of your jaw and then uses it to improve structural defects toward the front of your mouth.

Sinus lifts

If you don’t have enough bone in your upper jaw to support dental implants or another oral device, Dr. Sayre-Castairs may recommend a sinus lift. During a sinus lift, she makes a small incision in your gums and carefully inserts an implant into the weak or damaged portion of your jaw. Over time, the implant causes the formation of new, healthy bone tissue.

What is recovery like after bone grafting?

After bone grafting treatment, Dr. Sayre-Castairs writes you a prescription for antibiotics and pain medication. During the first few days, it’s normal to experience swelling, bleeding, and mouth sensitivity. Take your medication as prescribed, eat only soft foods, and attend each follow-up appointment.

Bone grafts typically take 3-6 months to heal, but they may take longer. Be patient and make sure to follow Dr. Sayre-Castairs’ instructions carefully.

To explore the benefits of bone grafting, call the Coast Periodontics and Laser Surgery office in San Luis Obispo, California, or book online today.